Australian scientists use seaweed to reduce methane produced by cows

18 Oct 2020

Image depicting cows as a video of it singing proves that animals can sing

Australian scientists use seaweed to reduce methane produced by cows

Australian scientists use seaweed to reduce methane produced by cowsMethane (CH4) is a gas that is produced naturally on Earth in small quantities. However, it is also a greenhouse gas that adds to global warming. Today, the use of fossils fuels and raising of cattle are the main causes of methane emissions.

Every time a cow burps or passes gas, it releases methane into the atmosphere. While this seems like a very small amount, it all adds up. A single cow on average produces between 70 and 120 kg of methane per year and, worldwide, there are about 1.5 billion cattle.

Cattle (large groups of cows and other similar animals) contribute to 37% of all the methane emissions which happen due to human activity.

In order to fight methane emission from cattle, an Australian company called FutureFeed has come up with a solution using seaweed.

It has used seaweed to create a food supplement (an addition to regular food) for dairy and beef cows. This supplement eliminates 80% of the methane content emitted by them.

If only 10% of global cattle herds consumed the supplement, it would be the same as taking 50 million cars off our roads!

The product is created from a species of seaweed called Asparagopsis. Cows can eat it safely for their entire lives. The company is now planning to sell the product in the market.

Over a billion people globally depend on cattle for their livelihoods. So, this is a good solution for both people and the environment.

Recommended for Secondary Grades

Methane (CH4) is a gas that is produced naturally on Earth in small quantities. However, it is also a greenhouse gas that adds to global […]

To read more...

Share your comment! Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

To post your comment Login/Signup